Hits Radio Live

Returning to the BP Pulse Arena for the annual Hits Radio Live concert in Birmingham, this year’s concert celebrated all that is good about the UK music scene. Hosted by Hits Radio, the UK’s premier radio network for the latest hits and biggest throwbacks, the station has the ability to feature some of the biggest names in the pop world.

Opening up the evening Sigala warmed up the audience with a run through some of his biggest tracks accompanied by a spectacular light show. Making an effort by dressing up for the occasion Pixie Lott surprised with her new single Anybody Else which marked a maturity in her music though it was the old favourites Mama Do and All About Tonight which resonated with the audience.

Fresh from representing the UK in this years Eurovision Song Contest Olly Alexander decided not to feature his new track, Polari, instead concentrating on his big hits. Backed with two vocalists it was his biggest Years and Years hit, King where he really triumphed.

Tom Grennan used his twenty minute slot wisely, as he provided an energetic and consummate performance that showcased his melodic songs to full effect; A Little Bit of Love will probably still be played on the radio and remembered in twenty years time, such is the quality of the song. As he concluded with By Your Side, Grennan had provided the best performance of the first half of the evening.

Joel Corry, looking like he had just returned from the gym, opened up the second half of the show with a selection of top tracks, including some throwbacks such as the Flo Rida track, Good Feeling.

As Leigh- Anne arrived on stage with her two dancers, she looked absent without the other members of Little Mix, her former group. In a bass heavy set the new songs sounded like they had been heavily influenced by South African singer Tyla with Stealin’ Love being her best number.

Wearing a new blue hat, Tom Walker and his band gave his second performance of the night having supported The Script as the nearby Utilita Arena. The likeable Walker excelled on Just you and I as the arena lit up in a sea of lights as tge fans held their mobiles in the air.

For a group who has been going for over twenty years that has not had a big chart hit recently who can headline either demonstrates the current state of the lack of big newcomers in the pop world, or conversely shows that Sugababes and their music are timeless.

Backed by a competent band the three piece excelled on Freak Like Me and naturally Push the Button ending a night where Hits Radio Live appeared to push all the right buttons successfully.